House Budget Released

The budget out of the ways and means committee follows many of Governor Deval Patrick's proposed spending priorities for state aid to cities and towns, subsidized health coverage and life sciences. It includes $109-million in cuts and shrinks funding for early education and violence prevention grants.

House Ways and Means Chairman Robert Deleo says the house is being cautious, and trying to position the state for a future economic storm.

But some outside budget analysts estimate this spending plan is $500-million to $750-million short even if state revenue rises, as projected, by 3.8%.